Growing up I was very active in lifting weights and playing sports, especially soccer and basketball. I participated in physical activity for multiple hours every day. Soon I started to notice anterior knee pain and aching which became worse the more active I was. At first the pain only occurred after physical activity, but soon it started to hurt even during exercise. I decided to see a doctor after a few weeks of no improvement, and my symptoms worsening. After investigation by the doctor, I was told I had patellar tendinitis caused by inflammation and possible micro-tears in the patellar tendon.
Anatomical Structures Associated with Patellar Tendinitis
The patellar tendon originates from the anterior aspect of the distal pole of the patella and inserts at the tibial tubercle. [1] There is also a prepatellar bursa which is superficial to the patellar tendon, and a deep infrapatellar bursa which is found deep to the patellar tendon, and proximal to where the tendon attaches.[1]
Anatomical Structures Associated with Tendinitis
Tendinitis can occur at any site of tendon insertion of a bone. Some of the most common …show more content…
Patellar tendinitis is especially likely to develop between the ages of 16-40, and it occurs at equal rates between both genders. Common triggers for patellar tendinitis are bicycling, running, and jumping. Patellar tendinitis is sometimes referred to as “Jumpers Knee” due to this fact.[2] As a tendon becomes overused it becomes inflamed. Inflammation continues to increase when the body cannot repair the affected tendon quickly enough before it is used again. This is why tendinitis generally worsens over time, and can greatly affect athletic performance. Tendinitis can also occur from an acute sudden injury, which causes an overstretching of the associated